French Army Emphasizes Precision Artillery with DT-46 Tactical Drone During Bastille Day Parade.

On July 14, 2025, the French Army marked a symbolic step in its modernization efforts by presenting for the first time its DT46 artillery reconnaissance drone during the traditional military parade on the Champs-Élysées. This system, never before displayed in this setting, marched with the 68th African Artillery Regiment (68e RAA), a unit of the 7th Armored Brigade and custodian of the traditions of African artillery. Based in La Valbonne in the Ain region and created in 1941 in Tlemcen, the regiment has participated in various military engagements, from the Provence landings to Operation Serval in Mali, and the Pamir mission in Afghanistan. Continuing its transformation under the Scorpion program, the regiment's integration of the DT46 drone represents one of the tangible advancements within this framework.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Designed for imagery intelligence (IMINT) missions, it provides artillery units with an unprecedented capability to acquire deep targets, directly supporting frontline units and combined arms operations (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The DT46 drone constitutes a technological advancement in the French artillery’s support doctrine. Designed for imagery intelligence (IMINT) missions, it provides artillery units with an unprecedented capability to acquire deep targets, directly supporting frontline units and combined arms operations. It also contributes to counter-battery missions by facilitating the detection and localization of enemy artillery positions. Operated at the brigade level, this 28 kg drone offers significant performance: an operational range of 80 kilometers, an endurance exceeding five hours in fixed-wing mode, and over three hours in vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) configuration, thanks to its vertical flight kit. With a wingspan of 4.7 meters and a length of 2 meters, it maintains a low acoustic signature detectable only within 200 meters. Its payload capacity of five kilograms allows for the integration of various sensors suited to observation and targeting missions.

The DT46 is further characterized by its connection to the air-land battle network via the Atlas system, compliant with the Stanag 4609 standard. This connectivity ensures real-time sharing of video feeds and target coordinates with Atlas-equipped posts, enhancing three-dimensional battlefield coordination. The drone also benefits from the Hand-over function, enabling seamless mission continuity between platforms without transmission loss. The VTOL capability makes it particularly suitable for constrained environments where traditional launch ramps are impractical, requiring only a ten-meter radius for vertical maneuvers. The system is operated by a team of six, including a team leader and an Atlas system operator, ensuring full exploitation of its advanced capabilities.

The introduction of the DT46 into French Army units reflects a broader shift in adapting to modern combat requirements. Recent conflicts, notably in Ukraine and Nagorno-Karabakh, have demonstrated the critical role of drone-based intelligence and the need for anti-drone systems to counter the proliferation of these assets on the battlefield. The 68e RAA, responsible for the versatile support component of the 7th Armored Brigade, embodies this evolution by combining intelligence drones, conventional artillery capabilities with Caesar cannons and Griffon Mepac mortar carriers, alongside short-range air defense assets such as the Mistral missile. This integrated approach enhances the regiment’s capacity for surveillance, deep strikes, and counter-drone operations, blending traditional artillery roles with new technologies.

The DT46’s presence in the Bastille Day parade signals the French Army’s intent to showcase its updated capabilities in response to hybrid threats. Unlike MALE drones such as the Reaper, which are seldom featured in this national event, this marks the first time a tactical drone specifically designed for artillery support and reconnaissance is displayed to the public and national authorities. This development illustrates the transformation of the French armed forces towards a more connected, responsive, and resilient model, prepared to meet the challenges of future conflicts where control of the lower airspace and real-time information has become essential.